What in the world is software patch management? Well, simply put - it is just as it sounds. It's a software "patch" used for "patching up" or fixing something in your downloaded software - or in your computer system itself. It works a little like a patch for a bicycle tire, but it is a wee bit more complicated than that - and a lot more technical.
But don't worry if this type of "fix" is confusing to you - you aren't alone. So, if this subject interests you, please keep reading for a brief overview of it, and a few examples of the fixes themselves:
Know that your personal computer or your game console is more than likely to already come with previously built-in patches. These are placed there to keep your machine or software functioning correctly. These machines also usually come with patches that automatically fix glitches and fight the viruses that you may not be aware you are up against when you go online to surf, or to play a game.
In fact, anyone who owns a personal computer with previously installed programs on it, has already has been exposed to one good example of a patch - and probably more than once. This is in reference to those automatic updates that you undoubtedly recall getting alerted to when you are online. Of course, these alerts usually occur while you are middle of doing something important - and when you get them, you know you will have to close out all your programs and restart your computer so they can install correctly.
Another example of patches is when your computer suddenly shuts down while you are in the middle of something, and you get a message that says 'your program has stopped working, the computer will now try to resolve the problem'. What usually happens after a few minutes is that you are then informed that the problem has been corrected. So, in these cases, be aware that a patch was most likely responsible for the correction. Then you have your gaming patches, and, of course, those "fixes" that are created and embedded into any software you have purchased and downloaded. In this way, many problems that occur while you are using your game console - and those that happen while the software is running on your computer - will be automatically fixed. Other patches that have not been previously included, and those that are frequently updated, are usually sent via "auto alert" - and, sometimes you may even find a link to them in your email.
Many times it is also possible for a person to go online and find updated patches and bug fixes that they can download for free, right from the manufacturer's website. But be warned in searching these out for yourself, as if the website isn't guaranteed "safety wise", you can often end up with damaged software when you download the wrong version, or when you accidentally download from a site that unknowingly carries infected software.
So now you are a bit more aware of what software patch management is, as well as having been given a few examples to clarify the topic. If you'd like more information on this subject - or you'd like to try and find a patch for your own software - just hit the internet, and do a search on the subject!
No comments:
Post a Comment